Colorado Renaissance Festival

The Colorado Renaissance Festival isn't the only event that promises "a variety of sausage on a stick." Among its Google-search competition is Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, Texas. But where the Texans make do with dominoes tournaments, the Chicken Dance and "Oompah at its best," we get jousters, wenches and, new this year, an endangered cat show. So be thankful, and visit 650 W. Perry Park Ave. in Larkspur for opening weekend. Admission is free for kids under 5, $8 for ages 5 to 12, and $18.95 for adults, but check coloradorenaissance.com for information on where to get discounts. — Kirk Woundy